Here is The Jersey Bee’s top news for New Jersey for the week ending Jun. 12, 2026.
TOP NEWS
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission now accepts electronic documents for REAL ID applications in an attempt to streamline the appointment process. There are also new appointments added to NJMVC offices in Trenton, Medford, South Brunswick and Springfield, which previously did not accept REAL ID appointments. REAL ID is required to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, and enter some federal buildings. Applicants must bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of Social Security Number, and six points of ID. REAL ID cards are $35.
WHYY Public Media
Eligible N.J. families can apply to the state’s summer EBT program for their children. Qualifying families will receive a Summer EBT card for children to purchase $120 worth of food at participating stores. Confirm mailing address and application process with the child’s school. Applications are accepted throughout the summer. Benefits are available to eligible families for 122 days, or four months. Add to 📅.
State of New Jersey
Cooling stations available statewide as National Weather Service issues heat advisories in N.J. from Jun. 11-12. The state’s heat index, or real feel of temperatures, is expected to exceed 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Nine N.J. counties are under extreme heat watch: Monmouth, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Ocean, and Burlington. Residents should stay hydrated, remain indoors where air conditioning is available, and avoid direct sunlight when possible. A complete list of statewide cooling centers available online.
NJ 211
New Jersey will increase funding for its free legal representation programs, Detention Deportation Defense Initiative and Rapid Legal Response Initiative. The Detention Deportation Defense Initiative will see a $12 million increase, bringing its funding total to $20.2 million. It will provide legal services for low-income residents, including all low-income detainees at Delaney Hall. The Rapid Legal Response Initiative will provide emergency immigration defense and support immigrant families throughout the state.
Governor Mikie Sherrill
“Inclusive Mental Health Symposium” planned virtually with Nutley Family Service Bureau on Jun. 18. Melissa Cheplic will explore ways healthcare providers and advocates can create environments supporting people with disabilities. It is from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. A list of sessions is available online. Registration is required. Free admission. Add to 📅.
Nutley Family Service Bureau
New Jersey health inspectors found poor employee hygiene, unclean surfaces, and food stored at unsafe temperatures at Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concentration camp in Newark. The inspection comes from a May 28 report issued by the state department of health. Health inspectors visited Delaney Hall on May 27 to inspect the entire facility, but was denied entry to living quarters, medical areas, and the HVAC system. Health inspectors also found staff handling garbage cans during food service and cases of soda stored alongside chemicals. On Jun. 2, Gov. Mikie Sherrill sued GEO Group, the private prison company operating Delaney Hall, in attempt to gain full access to the site.
Gothamist
